Hiromichi, I think it would be better if you didn't add questions to this thread anymore. It's much better to have them listed as separate posts, IMO. Easier for others to browse questions they might find interesting._________________Visit www.sloweasyenglish.com for material to help you with your listening skills!

All of the videos are in SLOW and EASY ENGLISH so they are easy to understand and will help you improve your listening until you can watch regular movies and TV!

“The average debater knows no finer fun than belaboring a man of straw. How often have we heard that ambitious disputant, in full flush of victory, fashion with his creative tongue that silliest of all fools—the straw man. Into the straw man’s mouth are put impossible propositions, and when he has been made to utter them, the speaker proper proceeds to show what an utter a** this straw man is.”_________________Hiromichi

“The average debater knows no finer fun than belaboring a man of straw. How often have we heard that ambitious disputant, in full flush of victory, fashion with his creative tongue that silliest of all fools—the straw man. Into the straw man’s mouth are put impossible propositions, and when he has been made to utter them, the speaker proper proceeds to show what an utter a** this straw man is.”

The asterisks stand for "ss", for "ass" which would be considered a bad word in some circles. You will often see "bad words" written like sh*t, or f**k etc.

Plan a pre-emptive bathroom trip. Make sure the dog has done the same.

What does the above mean?

NY Times

Does Bill Clinton have another vintage performance in him?
Get comfortable. Plan a pre-emptive bathroom trip. Make sure the dog has done the same.
It’s time for Bill Clinton to get riffing._________________Hiromichi

Plan a pre-emptive bathroom trip. Make sure the dog has done the same.

What does the above mean?

NY Times

Does Bill Clinton have another vintage performance in him?
Get comfortable. Plan a pre-emptive bathroom trip. Make sure the dog has done the same.
It’s time for Bill Clinton to get riffing.

Hi I'm sorry I hadn't checked here in a bit. This was before Bill Clinton's speech at the Democratic convention. This is telling people at home in the audience to get ready for the speech. Go to the bathroom before the speech starts (pre-emptive bathroom trip) and make sure your dog also went so you won't be bothered during the speech.